Team needs: Minnesota Vikings

Posted by Mike Florio on April 18, 2013, 3:00 PM EDT

Reuters

The Vikings went from 3-13 to 10-6 in one year. So will the 2013 edition be closer to 2011, or to 2012? To be more like the latter — and to become the kind of consistent contender they’ve been in past decades — the Vikings need to address certain specific needs in the draft.

Linebacker: The Vikings need a middle linebacker. They know they need a middle linebacker. The question is whether they’ll use one of their two first-round draft picks or a selection in some other round to address the glaring weakness in the second line of their defense. Given the affinity the team has shown in recent years for Notre Dame players, Manti Te’o becomes an intriguing option at No. 23 or No. 25.

Wide receiver: There’s a gap between Percy Harvin and Greg Jennings, both in age and ability. Even if Harvin hadn’t been traded, the Vikings would still need to upgrade the position, in an effort to upgrade the passing game generally.

Quarterback: Of course, the problem with the passing game could be the guy throwing the passes. While Christian Ponder has had only two years to figure out the NFL game, the quick emergence of others taken lower in 2011 — and of those picked in 2012 — makes Ponder’s performance disappointing, especially when he has the benefit of one of the best running backs in NFL history. While it would be a mistake to use a first- or second-round pick on a quarterback unless the Vikings have “no intent” to trade or cut Ponder, they should be looking for the next third-rounder who becomes Russell Wilson. Then again, who isn’t?

Guard: The tackles and the center are more than capable in Minnesota, more than capable enough to make the absence of high-end guards less conspicuous. Still, the Vikings would benefit from an upgrade over Charlie Johnson or Brandon Fusco.

Defensive tackle: With Kevin Williams cutting his pay and having his remaining contract in turn cut to one year, the Vikings need to start thinking about finding the next dominant inside force in a line of interior linemen that traces to John Randle, Keith Millard, and Alan Page.

Cornerback: With Antoine Winfield gone, the Vikings once again need help at the position. Otherwise, they’ll potentially get torched in the pass-happy NFC North.

A playoff that just gained another teams best WR for nothing in FA, after getting a kings randsom for Percy who was a headache and lockerroom cancer. The Vikings won out without Percy last year. It must be hatin’.

contra74 says:Apr 18, 2013 3:24 PM

tokyosandblaster says:Apr 18, 2013 3:19 PM

A playoff team that lost their best wr and one of the best defenders, not to mention getting older and older on defense.

I’m neither a hater or kidding. I’m giving an honest assessment.
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You are giving a hater assessment.

We lost our ‘best’ receiver and picked up yours along with extra picks including one in the first round. Id say this playoff team is primed for something great without breaking the bank on 2 players unlike a certain team we all know.

Funny how when Percy was injured for the last half of the season Ponder really starting figuring it out and the Vikings were winning games.
Ohhh but the Vikings are foolish not to make a slot receiver the 2nd highest paid WR in the league. A slot receiver who has a history of injuries and a bad attitude. The Vikes took a 1st, 3rd and 7th for that and got Jenning is FA for nothing. I’ll take that any day, Jennings is a rider

You are seem awfully concerned about what happens on this side of the border….

bobby2478 says:Apr 18, 2013 3:35 PM

I hope they don’t waste a top pick on a WR just for the sake of taking one. They have enough needs (either for starters or depth), that they need to take the BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE with each pick, regardless of position.

I’d much rather have a stud/productive player at a unsexy position such as MLB, OLB, CB, DT, DE, OG, SS, FS then wasting top picks by reaching for a WR. This draft is supposedly very deep with a lot of productive players. They don’t need every pick to be a stud, but the can’t afford for any picks in the top 3 rounds to be busts. Getting some solid and productive players that can help your team for years to come is better then swinging and missing reaching for a WR.

Spielman had a good draft last year, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt until he proves me wrong.

They have 4 picks in the first three rounds, so they should be able to address all those areas with those picks. I could see drafting more linemen (OL & DL) with later picks, and more perhaps more WRs and CBs as well.

From trade: Revis

From Ponder: Ponder needs to pick up where he left off the last four games he played last year. He had the 2nd highest passer rating in the league those 4 games.

From WRs: Get open.

From defensive: better pass defense, more turnovers.

Last, the Vikings need to stay healthy.

If most of that happens, the Vikings will make the playoffs, and will go deeper than last year.

Contra,
We aren’t breaking any banks. We will pay them both quite a bit and then we will be around the same as you as far as cap.

Difference is, we have the best player at the most important position, and you… Well…

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The difference is that the Packers have a lot more needs than the Vikings currently do. The Packers need a lot of defensive help, Clay cant do it all. Not to mention RB, and after this season Jordy and Randall and both gonna wanna get paid. So yeah, good luck with that.

It’s amazing that tokyo still thinks the Packers are better than the Vikings. That is so 2011.

vikingboy26 says:Apr 18, 2013 3:49 PM

1) Check out Ponder’s QB rating in his last 4 games — all very good defenses.
2) Harvin didn’t play during the end of the season winning streak, and he couldn’t get open when he lined up on the outside.
3) Ponder’s arm is NOT weak, nor is he an idiot.
4) Vikes will add another solid WR and 3 new defensive starters in this draft at DT, MLB, and CB.
5) Bears best DEF players are mid-30s.
6) GB will have cap issues after paying for Rodgers and Mathews. Their OL is weak and
their DEF will continue to slide.
7) Skol Vikes!

Jennings is not Harvin because Harvin did so many more things; return kicks, play out of the backfield, bubble screens and reverses so the Vikings are really behind in that dept. But that hardly matters when you have Ponder throwing the ball, he can’t get it down field to save his life.

The division is loaded with top rated QBs and WR’s so the Vikings need to reload in the secondary. Cook sucks, Winfield is gone, and they need another safety and nickel back.

The better hope Peterson doesn’t get hurt again or they will have 2014 draft to find their next QB.

Contra,
We aren’t breaking any banks. We will pay them both quite a bit and then we will be around the same as you as far as cap.

Difference is, we have the best player at the most important position, and you… Well…

—–

The difference is that the Packers have a lot more needs than the Vikings currently do. The Packers need a lot of defensive help, Clay cant do it all. Not to mention RB, and after this season Jordy and Randall and both gonna wanna get paid. So yeah, good luck with that.
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Ahhhh. Now I see. You’re not taking into about all the people the packers lost to injury that they get back.

Ok. As long as I understand that you’re just making stuff up, we cool.

bobby2478 says:Apr 18, 2013 4:02 PM

Jennings is not Harvin because Harvin did so many more things; return kicks, play out of the backfield, bubble screens and reverses so the Vikings are really behind in that dept. But that hardly matters when you have Ponder throwing the ball, he can’t get it down field to save his life.

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Read anyone who knows football and what they saw from Harvin after watching game tape. They all said the same thing: Harvin is NOT a good route runner, and DOES NOT run precise routes. He is RARELY in the position he’s supposed to be in. That makes it impossible for the QB to throw to a spot on the field expecting your WR to be at that exact spot when the ball gets there. Most offenses rely on that level of precision to function. Which is why they gave Percy the ball behind the line when he was standing still, then let him run with it.

Jennings on the other hand is a VERY PRECISE route runner. Percy is a terrific athlete that was very explosive and a great returner. But Jennings is an outstanding receiver who can be very dangerous because he’s very precise in his routes.

Manti Teo would only be a steal if he was taken at #25 and led the NFC in tackles. I’d rather get a stud WR and a D-lineman. EJ Henderson is still a FA, offer him a 1-2 yr deal not guarnteed

jonstump says:Apr 18, 2013 4:32 PM

The 3-13 Vikings were better than there record, and the 10-6 Vikings were not as good as there record. This is basically an 8-8 or 9-7 team that over achieved but still has 11 pics. Let’s draft PLAYMAKERS on offense with 23 and 25, regardless of the positional needs, and fill the need’s in later rounds please

theytukrjobs says:Apr 18, 2013 4:42 PM

Vikes played their best ball with Harvin and Winfield out of the lineup. That doesn’t take anything away from those guys, but the team proved it can win big games without those two guys.

While the team has some specific glaring needs, they do have I believe 10 or 11 picks, including two first rounders, to address them. And while they do need 1 of each LB/DT/WR/CB, they actually are quite solid in just about every area.

Team is in better shape than it has been in a while. If Ponder takes “the next step” and elevates his game beyond what it was over the last 4 games (and stays healthy) this team is a superbowl contender. Just an average defense and passing game is all that is required. AD will do the rest.

Ahhhh. Now I see. You’re not taking into about all the people the packers lost to injury that they get back.

Ok. As long as I understand that you’re just making stuff up, we cool
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EXCUSES?? There are no excuses in football!!
That’s the nature of the game. And for every team. That is the adversity in the game.
As far as the post itself. DUH!! That’s half the team needs in the NFL. Just stating the obvious.
As far as Ponder being hated on (Lack of arm, can’t play) You watch the last four games of the season. Adrian carried a lot, but who was the QB all season? Who was the QB that played well enough to get into the playoffs? Who was the QB in those 10 wins? Ponder is no Cam, or RG3. But then neither was Payton, Elli, Farve . By the way, how did Cam do last year? Oh yeah, he had to go back to that learning curve that every QB needs in the NFL at some point. Because other teams figured him out. And how about RG3? Great QB, but he will never be the same runner as he was. He will have to learn to be a complete pocket passer. (He’s not AD) And I hope him the best. If you really don’t know how the game is played or managed, I can understand the blogs here. Because smart people would just keep it to themselves. Skol Vikes!!

Erin is worth every penny of the 50 billion the pack will pay him, who else will pay so much for a great qb that is the face & only meaningful player on team that needs to put up 50 points a game to attempt to outscore what their defense gives.

how did packers playoff run go last year….beat Vikings who had absolute putrid qb play, they only had to stop #28 and game was over, next pack D totally smacked down by rookie qb with more talent than Rogers (& much smaller ego). keep it up pack, I like direction your team is headed especially with all the cap room Rogers is taking up

fi1thymcnasty1 says:Apr 18, 2013 4:53 PM

Despite what people from Minnesota say, not everyone drinks brake fluid in Wisconsin. We don’t all wear camo all the time. Men don’t all spend inordinate amounts of time out in the woods in small groups. Those are stereotypes. Ask tokyosandblaster and whatjusthapped – hell, even Carl Gerbwhatever: those guys know it’s all very exaggerated. Sure, sometimes….

Sometimes when I read these comments it feels like people are watching the game through binoculars Balcourt’s like they don’t see what’s going on in the game is easy to say where was he had an playoff game but if it was his leg it was injured you know he probably would’ve been on the field but considering it was his throwing arm and as we can all say he doesn’t have the strongest throwing arm pretty much he wasn’t in a make the game and if did he would have been affective …. It was the Right decision the wrong decision was on the GM in the front office by not having a proper backup quarterback

Top needs are WR, MLB, DT, CB OG. The first three of those need to be dealt with in the first three picks, although I wouldn’t venture a guess as to what the order should be. Would love to see them nab a WR and DT in round one, or maybe even trade back with one of those picks and pick up and extra second rounder plus a later round pick.

As for the Quarterback questioning, Ponder has been justifiably criticized for playing poorly at times last year. However, he seems to get little credit when he performed well, both early and late in the year. He saved his best performance for the most important game of the year, the win against the Packers. While that may not make up for his mid-season slump, it is reason to be encouraged. While Peterson ripped up the Packer defense in week 17, the Vikings don’t win that game without Ponder’s passing.

So that said, if Barkley’s still around in round 3 when the Vikings pick, then I’d consider taking him. Otherwise, build around Ponder, and give him more targets. De’Andre Hopkins would be a dynamite pick for this team.

fi1thymcnasty1 says:Apr 18, 2013 5:04 PM

Ponder may have married a beautiful blonde TV personality, but me and my Everclear guzzlin’ cheesemates still derive a lift in self-esteemed by calling him noodle-armed. GO PACK GO!!!

just got off the phone with John Schneider, we are looking at the possibility of losing Sherman or Browner in the next couple years due to the price tag and cap. Zach Miller has been decent but not great. o line is young, but left tackle could use an upgrade.

we will be instructing our minor league franchise (Vikes) to draft in that order and get them NFL ready for our plucking over the next couple years.

go hawks.

vikesfansteve says:Apr 18, 2013 5:42 PM

3 new LB’s who can stop the run and cover on the pass. A NT that can actually tackle. A new L,R Guard, 2 new CB’s another safety, another outside receiver with speed and catching ability and Ponder to be much better.

Their top need is QB.
They have a guy who is good at running 15 yard routes and a QB with a 7 yard arm.
The bad part is that there is no good QB’s in the draft they have so many picks in. They will be in the top 1/4 of the draft next year hoping the there is a better QB crop.

509seahawks says:Apr 18, 2013 5:44 PM

If teo gets drafted my minnesota all he would need to complete his dreams is a man he could cuddle up to on those cold minnesota nights.

Im not saying Russell Wilson didnt have a great year, and I am not saying that he doesnt have potential to be something special. But it bothers me to no end how the writers, sports casters, ESPN, and PFT wanna anoint him the second coming of Johnny Unitas.
Christian Ponder does have one of histories best running backs, yeah. The running game does not make the whole offense.
But he has not had a good group of receivers. Harvin was/is good but you couldnt count on him to be healthy all season.
Ponder is also better than what they had before at QB T.Jackson was not the answer, and as much as I like J. Webb….he isnt the answer either.
So before you go concluding that Ponder is a bust, at least give him the tools he needs to succeed and some time to work with them.
GOD BLESS

Whoever this Packer fan is posting these comments is a complete idiot! Lmao, lets pay Rogers a ton of money and not get any O lineman, lets see how that works for ya when your paying Rogers a billion dollars to sit out with injury…..it’s gonna happen sooner or later with no O Line

Unless there is someone at another position that is just too good to pass up (who tumbled down the draft board) they will go DT & CB in the first round not necessarily in that order, but those two positions.

kennyrogerschicken says:Apr 18, 2013 5:56 PM

You know who else had a great 4 game run at QB? Lots of average to terrible QB’s that never amounted to much. Hopefully all of you Vikes fans still defend your guy after AD has another great season wasted due to Ponder being terrible.

As a Viking 4life since 1968-“NO TEO”! He’s got a mental problem with that “no girlfriend” crap. Does one game define a college career, I think not-but it didn’t help! Also he’s SSSSLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOW-he ran a 4.82 at the combine and a 4.72 at his pro day. That’s the kind of speed you run when you’ve been in the league 15 to 17 years like Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis………..”NO TEO”! lastly I am a HUGE college football fan and I have been saying for the last three and a half months the Minnesota Vikings will take Justin Hunter of Tennessee with one of their first round picks…………have a great draft folks!

cpo187 says:
Apr 18, 2013 6:08 PM
AP had more rushing yards last year in the 3 games he played against the Packers then the Packers leading rusher had for the entire season.
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which team won the division last year?

contra74 says:Apr 18, 2013 7:23 PM

foosball11 says:Apr 18, 2013 6:25 PM

cpo187 says:
Apr 18, 2013 6:08 PM
AP had more rushing yards last year in the 3 games he played against the Packers then the Packers leading rusher had for the entire season.
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which team won the division last year?
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Definitely not the team that won the SB.

theytukrjobs says:Apr 18, 2013 7:28 PM

Vikings are better at cornerback than some people like to give them credit for. They lack depth and absolutely they should draft someone there. But they have three guys who have proven capable as starters and a couple younger guys who the jury is still somewhat out on since they haven’t played much so far.

Not elite at corner by any stretch of the imagination. But just because they lost a 35 year old who was hurt for parts of the last two seasons doesn’t mean they’re in dire straights.

MLB, DT, and WR are the three holes in this team and they have 11 picks, including two first rounders, to plug them. Every other draft pick is for depth and upgrades to capable players.

This team is solid right now as long as they get some QB play.

truthserum4u says:Apr 18, 2013 9:37 PM

The Vikings won’t be picking a QB now that Cassel is backing up Ponder. Too many other needs to be addressed.

Stop with all of this “affinity for golden domers stuff”. Sullivan wasn’t a Speilman pick. Smith, Rudolph and Carlson were the best available that fit a specific need. Blanton is the only questionable selection and he was a late round pick.

The Vikings need a MLB who can help defend the pass. Te’o is a two-down LB with the speed of Brinkley who they just let walk.

I’ve been saying for weeks that I could see them trading back into the top half of the 2nd round to a team looking to move up and secure the QB of their liking. They could then pick-up an additional 3rd round pick this year or 2nd next year.

truthserum4u says:Apr 18, 2013 10:12 PM

blowpackblow says: Apr 18, 2013 3:26 PM

As long as Ponder is the QB the Vikes will always be average at best. His arm is weak, he is inaccurate and as sharp as a bowling ball.

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His arm is mediocre not weak. He hasn’t had the needed wide-out weapons to judge yet if he’s going to be average or better.

The guy is incredibly sharp! Graduated in 2 1/2 years, earned an MBA before finishing his college playing days and is on his way to a 2nd degree. He is also a good leader, teammate and holds himself responsible. He may not be a franchise QB, but he deserves a fair evaluation (including given weapons) before any decision should be made.

rhusby28 says:Apr 18, 2013 11:00 PM

Fun fact for all the Ponder haters. Only one QB had a higher QBR (rating) than Ponder in the last 4 regular season games; it was Payton Manning.

The most glaring need is linebacker. For a Tampa 2 defense to work the MLB is the key. Brinkley was a good run stopper but weak on coverage. 2nd biggest is the DT. Long gone is Pat Williams and Kevin is getting up there in age plus he took a cut on his contract. If KW has a big season in 13, yeah show him the money. Otherwise it is wise to plan ahead. Fortunately great offensive linemen helped a RB lead the league in rushing and protected Ponder well enough to spread the ball around without Percy begging and whining for the ball. Some may ask for another wideout but it is unneeded considering our offense is predicated on rushing and ball control.

Keep bashing Ponder please, his rookie season happened last year because 2011 he was thrown to the wolves. I expect better things from him in 13 and will smile at packer trolls not posting on Viking threads because their so called great team will suddenly look very average. The Vikings have improved as have the Lions and do not forget the Bears almost made the playoffs last year. Packers have been stagnant during this offseason and can easily find themselves in last place with a few bad breaks included………..

cpo187 says:
Apr 18, 2013 6:08 PM
AP had more rushing yards last year in the 3 games he played against the Packers then the Packers leading rusher had for the entire season.
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which team won the division last year?
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Definitely not the team that won the SB.

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Weird. When comparing teams, I go head to head, or by record.

Either way, The Packers were better than the Vikings.

This year, the Packers get some of their best defenders back, and will probably improve with the draft.

This year, the Vikings get their QB back. And will probably improve with the Draft.

First of all it took 3, not to good, years for Bret Farve to be considered great, Rogers a few years to really get everything together in harmony. Ponder has shown flashes of a great player in him. Plus he had no veteran QB to help him along the way. In conculusion we dont need another QB. Then needing a guard is a joke they are just fine (our O-line is good) we do need another WR, I would really like to see us get Keenen Allen. For defense straight out we need Inside LB, shutdown CB, and DT…… Sense Dee Milner will not be there when we draft we should look later for a CB, if Williams is there for us we should take him for the Williams wall will be rebuilt! I like Te’O for ILB he is a tackle machine he will fit with in of course with the other Notre Dame players (Smith on Defense)

The Vikings have been searching for 3 years for that magical formula that will prevent losing twice per season to the Packers.
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Ahhh really?? Cause I think the Vikings won the last game of the regular season against GB. Methodically and with Ponder and AP.
You should really know what your talking about BEFORE posting.

Yes Christian Ponder is a bright young man and has a beautiful wife…..neither of which makes him a QB.
How can you blame the receivers when he couldn’t get the ball to them? As far as his rating for the last 4 games I guess we should praise him for handing the ball off to Adrian.

The only thing drafting T’eo would achieve is making Troy Williamson the 2nd worst first round pick in recent Vikings history.

Offensively the Vikings really just “need” a #2 WR, which they can get in the 2nd or 3rd pretty easy given the depth of this draft. I’d rather they took a MLB and a CB with the 2 1st round picks. Take a DT in the 2nd or 3rd, with whatever pick is not used on a WR. With 2 4th round picks you can take a couple guys that fall, which always happens.